God’s Employment Agency – a clown ministry skit for four (or more) speaking clowns
Props: Desk (optional), clipboard with a list (excellent for helping with the lines), 1 or more “twisty” balloons, cotton candy, surfer outfit (we used a grass skirt, Hawaiian shirt, and a snowboard as a surfboard, train ticket and/or train whistle). If you use additional people, you’ll want additional props 🙂
Bible verse: Matthew 20:1-16
Begins with the Manager clown (in our example, Doc the Rube) at his desk, other clowns waiting in chairs.
Doc: Welcome to God’s Employment Agency, who’s next, please?
Raynbow: I’m next!
Doc: Okay, what position are you applying for?
Raynbow: Well, it should be fairly obvious, shouldn’t it? (inflates a twisty balloon). Balloon Twister in Paris.
Doc: Balloon twister in Paris … let’s check on that … (looks at clipboard) … no, awfully sorry, that position has been filled.
Raynbow: (shows sadness, let’s inflated balloon go so that it flies into the audience) What am I going to do with all these balloons? (wanders back to group)
Doc: Go back to the waiting room and we’ll see what else comes up. Next?
Goofy Grape: (in surfer outfit, etc.) I’d like to be that Professional Surfer in Hawaii. I even have my train ticket! (blows train whistle)
Doc: Well, there are some pretty wet train tracks between here and Hawaii … but let me check on that for you … (consults clipboard) … wow, sorry, that’s been filled. Back in line, please. Who’s next?
Sunnyside: (carrying cotton candy) Guess what I do?
Doc: Cotton candy tasting at the circus?
Sunnyside: How did you know?
Doc: Let’s see what we can do for you … (consults clipboard) … Not only has that position been filled, but the circus has left town.
(Group steps closer to Doc)
Goofy Grape: Excuse me, sir, are there any jobs for us?
Doc: As a matter of fact, there is one available, but I don’t know if it’s right for any of you.
All: Please, tell us, c’mon (etc.).
Doc: All right, settle down. Line up nicely. I’ll give you the job description. This job requires travel …
All: Yeah! (applause)
Doc: You may have to learn new languages.
All: Bonjour! Hola! Oui!
Doc: Travel to exotic locations …
Raynbow: Like Stoughton? (Editor’s note: substitute for some other nearby town)
Doc: Taste new foods …
All: Tofu? Cocoanuts? Rutabagas?
Doc: Sure … stuff like that. How many of you want to apply?
All: Yes, sure, uh-huh.
Doc: Okay, here are the requirements: You have to be a fool for Christ (all agree); you may wander from place to place (start to look worried); you may end up with rags for clothes (Raynbow looks at his outfit, leaves disheartened). You’ll work hard, wear yourselves out, and may be insulted; you may be hungry and thirsty (Sunnyside leaves, clutching the cotton candy); and you may even be beaten (Goofy Grape touches her head, ribs, etc.). Well, you seem to be the only one left. Are you interested in this job?
Goofy Grape: When do I start?
Doc: You can leave right away.
Goofy Grape: By the way, what is the job called?
Doc: You, my friend, are now a missionary! (fanfare, Doc shakes her hand, confetti, pastor shakes hands). Doc walks off with Goofy Grape.
Courtesy of the Asbury Clown Troupe